English Proofreading & Copyediting – Pennsylvania

Lynn Fergusson, Native English SpeakerPennsylvania

Hiring a copyeditor or proofreader is an absolute must when your texts must convey not only information but also expertise and professionalism – in other words, when your personal reputation or the reputation of your company is at stake.

Poorly constructed sentences, „Denglisch“, incorrect punctuation, or embarrassing grammatical mistakes, make a bad impression on your (possibly native speaking) readers. In fact, it is often underestimated how many mistakes are concealed within a presumably well-crafted text. I will gladly assist you in your efforts to deliver English texts that are at once clean and appealing.

More than proofreading

Are you unsure whether you need a copyeditor or a proofreader? I would be happy to advise you, free of charge and without obligation. Simply fill me in about your text or your project, including any need-to-know specifics, and give me your desired deadline. I will then prepare a customized, non-binding offer. For students with a tight budget I can also usually find a solution that works for both parties.

A proofreader scrutinizes a text to assure accuracy, checking in particular for grammar, comma, and spelling mistakes and suggesting changes in vocabulary.

If the English text that needs proofreading is a translation, particular attention is given to translation mistakes.

What does a copyeditor do?

The English copyeditor goes one step further than the proofreader by keeping an eye not only on basic language mistakes, but also on content. For example company names, numbers, references, email addresses, phone numbers, or job titles are double-checked in the copyediting process. Further, the copyeditor questions coherence, sentence structure, paragraphing, use of country-specific idioms, corporate wording, jargon, register, and style.

If a house style sheet exists, the copyeditor is careful to comply with it. On request, the copyeditor can create a custom-made style sheet or glossary for you during the copyediting process (additional fee).

How are the mistakes corrected?

As most of my clients are German speaking, I correct proofreading work done on paper by using the standard German proofreading marks according to DIN 16511 (PDF).

In the case of electronic documents, I make changes to the typewritten words by using the "track changes" function (Microsoft Word®). Possible questions or comments are also added to the electronic document.

The following tutorial video will explain how the "track changes" function works in case you are not familiar with this technique.

Prices

Proofreading and copyediting prices can only be calculated after having a thorough look at the text. It goes without saying that any texts received are treated with utmost confidentiality.

The amount of time that is needed for proofreading and copyediting work varies greatly and therefore is charged per hour, in accordance with common practice in USA.